Italy in Winter
 

Any thoughts on Italy in the Winter? We will be there December 26-Jan 4. Any thoughts on whether it's worth going to Sicily for 2 days from Rome? Weather conditions, climate, etc... Anyone know of any opportunities to visit olive or grape groves and where?
We will be traveling by train, and I was wondering if they are very reliable as far as services running during the Christmas and New Years season and if we should try to book ahead or if this season is not that busy. Any other suggestions for highlights or something unique to do? We fly into Rome and out of Venice.
Thanks!

You should book ASAP, because a lot of people travel during the Christmas season to go home to their families. On some days, you will not get seats at all.

There is also some danger of strikes (such as we had today), so don't time any trips in such a way that you'd be in big trouble if you didn't get there exactly on a given day.

Weather in Sicily will not necessarily be warmer than the north. In recent years, in fact, the pattern has often been for the south to get hit with terrible snowstorms. I doubt the olive groves or vinyards will be very pleasant to visit!

For other tips and what to expect, see some articles on my site, http://beginningwithi.com/italy/living/seasons.htm is the best place to start.

best regards,
Deirdré Straughan

beginningwithi.com (personal)
www.tvblob.com (work)

The weather in Italy will be in the 40's most likely and colder as you move towards the North. It also may be a little rainy, as was my experience when I lived in Rome.

If you are flying into Rome and out Venice I would suggest leaving Sicily for the next trip. It will be too rushed and you will miss out on the many great things to see and do on the mainland. I would suggest spending your first four days in Rome, then traveling to Tuscany for two days or so (perhaps use Siena as a home base) and then travel to Venice.

I would also suggest booking your train trips in advance so you have a seat. Train travel is not enjoyable when you are crammed into a small walkway.

The winter season is not the ideal time to visit olive and grape groves, but you will undoubtedly come across them in your travels to Tuscany.
Enjoy your trip!

I agree with the poster directly above, and would like to add that the olive harvest in Sicily is usually in November, so I doubt there will be a lot to see there right now.

Buon Viaggio,
BC

Thank you!, so no Sicily, I've actually been to Rome before but planning a trip for Dad, sister, and a friend who have not. We only have 8 days. Don't want just museums, but also scenic, I'm looking at Rome 3 days Venice 2 days, and thinking that the weather might be better for a day each in Naples and/or Sorrento or would Siena/Florence be better? Any suggestions for New Years Eve celebrations? I heard that Naples had a good fireworks celebration on the main square. Would Siena/Florence/ have anything like that for New Year's Eve? I have checked many websites and not seeing anything specifically for New Years Eve. Not really wanting a drinking party - but something like fireworks . . . ? Thank you tons!

The two times we were in Rome in the winter months (December and March) were wonderful. The weather was very mild (50's - 60's and even one 70 degree day!). I doubt this is how it always is, but it was definitely a treat for us, especially when compared to our chilly St. Louis winters!

The benefit, in my opinion, of traveling off-peak is the lack of lines at the touristy spots. We walked into most museums, the Coloseum and St. Peters with little to no waits. I'm not sure if Rome is crowded around the time you want to go or not, as we were there at the beginning of December.

Tracy

I would suggest not planning on a visit to Sorrento/Naples. It will take too much time out of your trip to travel four hours south and then back north again, when you need to travel towards Venice anyway. Spend time traveling through Tuscany on the way to Venice.

Winter in Italy is generally mild (not including the areas in the Alps!). There is a lot of rain and wind but as far south as you will be (Rome and Sicily) you should be fine. Temps range from the 40s-60s (max), very similar to southern California weather during winter (where I live). It does get chilly at night though so definitely bring gloves, scarf and warm coat.

I will be in Sorrento during the Christmas season and although it is cold, it won't be unbearable. I, too, am taking trains and they are running every day during Christmas and the New Year's so there shouldn't be any concerns there. To ease your mind, go onto www.trenitalia.com and type in your city pairs on the L side of the screen (i.e. Rome to Palermo) and it will pull up train schedules southward through Reggio di Calabria. I plan on doing the same route from the Naples area myself. I am looking forward to seeing Sicilia as it is considerably warmer there and very exotic! I also checked into seeing Mt. Vesuvius (that seems like an interesting thing to do) and there are daily busses (pullmans) that depart from the Pompeii train station that go up to the crater.

While up in Venice, you might take a vaporetto out to Murano and pick up some souvenir glass items (shaped boats, animals, vases, etc). Buon viaggio!